The highly anticipated Shivam Nair directorial The Diplomat, starring John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, will hit the big screens this week. Meanwhile, the Russo brothers team up with Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt to bring to life Simon Stålenhag’s retro-futuristic book The Electric State, which will arrive on Netflix on March 14.
OTT RELEASES
Ponman
Streaming platform: JioHotstar
Release date: March 14
Adapted from GR Indugopan’s novel Nalanchu Cheruppakar, the film follows Ajesh, a jewellery agent in Kollam who lends gold to brides’ families in exchange for cash received as wedding gifts. When Steffi’s family can only repay part of the debt and keep the rest of the gold for themselves, Ajesh pursues the remaining ornaments. Directed by Jothish Shankar, the film features Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijo Mol Jose, Rajesh Sharma, and Deepak Parambol.
ALSO READ | 'Ponman' review: Superbly written and staged tale of wounded pride, survival and courage
Oru Jaathi Jathakam
Streaming platform: ManoramaMAX and Amazon Prime Video
Release date: March 14
Rajesh discovers during a palm reading that a round of bad luck is coming his way. Failing to find the perfect woman to marry, though he is registered in multiple matrimony sites, his horoscope reveals that he is destined for a gay marriage. Helmed by M. Mohanan, the film stars Vineeth Sreenivasan, Nikhila Vimal, Babu Antony, P.P. Kunhikrishnan, and Mridul Nair.
The Electric State
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release date: March 14
In a retro past where robots and humans coexist, Michelle is in search of her brother, and teams up with a smuggler to find the only family she has left, all while fighting those who who view robots as a threat to their existence. Based on the novel by Simon Stålenhag, the film, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, features Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, and Woody Harrelson.
Be Happy
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
Release date: March 14
Dhara dreams of showing off her moves on India’s biggest stage. Though her father, a recent widower, is apprehensive about letting his daughter follow the path, he soon realises that her dreams, inching closer to reality, are bigger than his own and that he will do anything for her. Helmed by Remo D'Souza, the film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Inayat Verma, Nora Fatehi, Nassar, and Johny Lever.
Moana 2
Streaming platform: JioHotstar
Release date: March 14
In the sequel to the hit 2016 animated film, Moana finds herself wanting to complete what her ancestors set out to do – unite all the people of the entire ocean. But a cursed island stands in her way. She reunites with the demigod Maui to break the god Nalo's curse on the hidden island of Motufetu. Directed by Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, and David Derrick Jr., the film features Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Nicole Scherzinger, and Temuera Morrison.
ALSO READ | ‘Moana 2’ Movie Review: Together again but a bit different
THEATRE RELEASES
The Diplomat
Release date: March 14
Based on real events, the film follows diplomat J. P. Singh as he helps Uzma Ahmed, a woman forced into marrying a Pakistani, return to India. However, the job is tough as many consider her to be a traitor. Helmed by Shivam Nair, the film stars John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi and Revathy.
Kesari Veer
Release date: March 14
Narrating the untold story of Hamirji Gohli, the historical action flick follows the Rajput warrior as he defends his land and religion against the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple. Directed by Prince Dhiman, the film features Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, Akanksha Sharma and Aruna Irani.
Novocaine
Release date: March 14
Bank executive Nathan Caine fights to save his co-worker and lover, Sherry, after she is kidnapped during a bank robbery. Using his condition, congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), to battle against the bad guys and reunite with her. Helmed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the comedy action flick stars Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, and Betty Gabriel.
In the Lost Lands
Release date: March 14
Witch Gray Alys journeys to the lost lands seeking a magical treasure that turns its possessor into a werewolf. With the help of the hunter Boyce, they embark on a perilous quest to find the treasure before others get a hold of it. Based on a short story written by George R. R. Martin, the film, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, features Dave Bautista, Milla Jovovich, Arly Jover, Amara Okereke, and Fraser James.
